Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device includes a plurality of line patterns formed apart from one another on a substrate, the plurality of line patterns having a first width and extending parallel to one another in a first direction. A first line pattern of the plurality of line patterns may include a wider portion having a second width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction that is greater than the first width. One or more second line patterns may be located adjacent to the first line pattern and include a conformal portion conformally formed about the wider portion of the first line pattern. One or more third line patterns may be located adjacent to the second line pattern and include an end portion near the conformal portion of the one or more second line pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2015-0119814, filed on Aug. 25, 2015, in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The inventive concept relates to a semiconductor device and a method ofmanufacturing a semiconductor device. For example, the presentdisclosure relates to a semiconductor device including high-densitypatterns having ultrafine widths and pitches formed in a high-densityregion of the semiconductor device and a method of forming patterns ofthe semiconductor device.

The manufacture of highly scaled, highly integrated semiconductordevices may involve forming fine patterns having fine widths andintervals that exceed the resolution limit of a photolithographyprocess. Thus, a technique of forming the fine patterns beyond theresolution limit of a photolithography process may be required.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides a semiconductor device and a method ofmanufacturing a semiconductor device in which high-density patternshaving ultrafine widths and pitches may be formed by using patternshaving sizes that may be embodied below the resolution limit of aphotolithography process.

The disclosure also provides a semiconductor device and a method ofmanufacturing a semiconductor device in which pads, for exampleelectrical contact pads, may be formed during the formation ofhigh-density patterns without an additional photolithography process forforming the pads.

Aspects of the inventive concept should not be limited by the abovedescription, and other unmentioned aspects will be clearly understood byone of ordinary skill in the art from example embodiments describedherein.

According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided asemiconductor device including a plurality of line patterns spaced apartfrom one another formed on a substrate, the plurality of line patternshaving a first width and extend parallel to one another in a firstdirection, a first line pattern of the plurality of line patterns, thefirst line pattern including a wider portion having a second widthgreater than the first width in a second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction, a second line pattern of the plurality of line patternsand located adjacent to the first line pattern, the second line patternbeing spaced apart from the wider portion of the first line pattern andconformally formed about the wider portion of the first line pattern,and a third line pattern selected from the plurality of line patternsand located adjacent to the second line pattern, the third line patternincluding an end portion, wherein the second line pattern is formedbetween the first line pattern and the third line pattern, and, withrespect to a line extending in the second direction that intersects thethird line pattern at the end portion of the third line pattern, thedistance between the first line pattern and the second line pattern issubstantially the same as the distance between the second line patternand the third line pattern.

The plurality of line patterns may comprise a plurality of second linepatterns and a plurality of third line patterns, the wider portion ofthe first line pattern protrude from both sidewalls of the first linepattern in the second direction, two second line patterns arerespectively located on both sides of the wider portion, and the twosecond line patterns are spaced apart from the wider portion of thefirst line pattern and conformally formed about the wider portion of thefirst line pattern, and two third line patterns are located adjacent tothe respective second line patterns, and include respective endportions, and, with respect to a line extending in the second directionthat intersects the third line pattern at the respective end portions ofthe third line patterns, the distances between respective first linepatterns and respective second line patterns are substantially the sameas the distances between the respective second line patterns and therespective third line patterns. The two second line patterns may be in amirror-image relationship to each other with respect to the widerportion of the first line pattern. The end portions of the two thirdline patterns may face the conformally formed portions of the two secondline patterns in the first direction respectively. The end portions ofthe third line patterns may be spaced apart from the conformally formedportions of the second line patterns by a substantially same distance asthe first width. The wider portion may protrude from one sidewall of thefirst line pattern, the second line pattern is located in a positionfacing the wider portion, and the end portion of the third line patternis located near the conformally formed portion of the second linepattern.

The end portion of the third line pattern may face the conformallyformed portion of the second line pattern in the first direction. Theend portion of the third line pattern may be spaced apart from theconformally formed portion of the second line pattern by a substantiallysame distance as the first width in the first direction. A length of thethird line pattern may be less than a length of the first line patternand the second line pattern in the first direction. The plurality ofline patterns may further comprise a dummy line pattern located oppositethe end portion of the third line pattern across the conformally formedportion of the second line pattern in the first direction, wherein thedummy line pattern may have a substantially same width as the firstwidth and is parallel to the first direction. A length of the dummy linepattern may be less than a length of the first line pattern and thesecond line pattern in the first direction. The wider portion of thefirst line pattern may have a third width in the first direction, theconformally formed portion of the second line pattern has a fourth widthin the first direction, and the fourth width is greater than the thirdwidth. A fourth line pattern may be located adjacent to the third linepattern, and a minimum space between the fourth line pattern and theconformally formed portion of the second line pattern is substantiallyequal to the first width.

A fourth line pattern may be located adjacent to the third line pattern,and a minimum space between the fourth line pattern and the conformallyformed portion of the second line pattern is greater than the firstwidth. The plurality of line patterns may comprise a conductivematerial. The device may further comprise a plurality of insulatingpatterns between two adjacent line patterns of the plurality of linepatterns. The plurality of insulating patterns may have a widthsubstantially equal to the first width in the second direction. Theplurality of line patterns may comprise a plurality of bit linesincluded in a memory device of the semiconductor device. The widerportion of the first line pattern may be located in a cell array region.The wider portion of the first line pattern may be located in a pagebuffer region.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a semiconductordevice comprises a plurality of line patterns formed on a substratehaving a first width and extending in a first direction parallel to oneanother, the plurality of line patterns spaced apart from one another ina second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first linepattern of the plurality of line patterns, the first line patternincluding a first wider portion having a second width taken in thesecond direction greater than the first width taken in the seconddirection, a second line pattern of the plurality of line patternslocated adjacent to the first line pattern, the second line patterncomprising a second wider portion having a third width greater than thefirst width in the second direction and a first conformal portionconformally formed about the first wider portion and spaced apart fromthe first wider portion, and a third line pattern of the plurality ofline patterns and located adjacent to the second line pattern, the thirdline pattern comprising a third wider portion having a fourth width inthe second direction greater than the first width, a second conformalportion conformally formed about the second wider portion and spacedapart from the second wider portion, and an end portion located near thefirst conformal portion, wherein the second line pattern is formedbetween the first line pattern and the third line pattern, and, withrespect to a line extending in the second direction that intersects thethird line pattern at the end portion of the third line pattern, thedistance between the first line pattern and the second line pattern issubstantially the same as the distance between the second line patternand the third line pattern.

The first wider portion may protrude from one sidewall of the first linepattern, the second wider portion may protrude from one sidewall of thesecond line pattern, and the third wider portion may protrude from onesidewall of the third line pattern. The third line pattern may have alength less than each of the first line pattern and the second linepattern in the first direction. The end portion of the third linepattern may face the first conformal portion of the second line pattern.A distance between the second wider portion of the second line patternand the first conformal portion in the first direction may besubstantially equal to a distance between the third wider portion of thethird line pattern and the second conformal portion in the firstdirection.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, A method of manufacturinga semiconductor device comprises forming a plurality of mask layerssequentially stacked on a substrate, forming a first mask patternincluding a plurality of mask line patterns on the plurality of masklayers, the plurality of mask line patterns spaced apart from oneanother and extending parallel to one another in a first direction, theplurality of mask line patterns each having a first width in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, the plurality of maskline patterns comprising at least one first mask line pattern, eachfirst mask line pattern having a varied width portion having a secondwidth different from the first width in the second direction,sequentially patterning the plurality of mask layers by using quadruplepatterning technology (QPT) using the first mask pattern to form a finalmask pattern, covering the final mask pattern with a conductive layer,and removing the conductive layer until a top surface of the final maskpattern is exposed, to form a plurality of conductive line patternsspaced apart from one another, the plurality of conductive line patternshaving a third width less than the first width and extending parallel toone another in the first direction.

The forming of the plurality of mask layers may comprise forming a thirdmask layer on the substrate, forming a second mask layer on the thirdmask layer, and forming a first mask layer on the second mask layer,wherein the forming of the final mask pattern may comprise forming afirst spacer layer on the first mask layer and the first mask pattern,the first spacer layer having a thickness substantially equal to thethird width, etching the first spacer layer to form first spacers onsidewalls of the first mask pattern, and removing the first maskpattern, etching the first mask layer by using the first spacers as anetch mask to form a second mask pattern, forming a second spacer layeron the second mask layer and the second mask pattern, the second spacerlayer having a thickness substantially equal to the third width, etchingthe second spacer layer to form second spacers on sidewalls of thesecond mask pattern, and removing the second mask pattern, and etchingthe second mask layer by using the second spacers as an etch mask toform a final mask pattern.

During the forming of the plurality of conductive line patterns, theplurality of conductive line patterns may comprise, a first conductiveline pattern comprising a first wider portion having a fourth widthgreater than the third width in the second direction, at least onesecond conductive line pattern located adjacent to the first conductiveline pattern, the at least one second conductive line pattern includinga conformal portion conformally formed about the first wider portion andspaced apart from the first wider portion, and at least one thirdconductive line pattern located adjacent to the second conductive linepattern, the at least one third conductive line pattern comprising anend portion near the conformal portion.

The plurality of conductive line patterns may comprise a plurality ofsecond conductive line patterns and a plurality of third conductive linepatterns, wherein conformal portions of the second conductive linepatterns may be located about both sides of the first wider portion, andend portions of the third conductive line patterns may be locatedadjacent the conformal portions of the second conductive line patterns.The conformal portion of the second conductive line pattern may have aconstant spacing away from a side of the first wider portion, and theend portion of the third conductive line pattern may be located adjacentthe conformal portion of the second conductive line pattern. During theforming of the first mask pattern, a second width of the varied widthportion in the second direction may be greater than the first width, andthe varied width portion comprises protrusions that symmetricallyprotrude from both sidewalls of the first mask line pattern. During theforming of the first mask pattern, a second width of the varied widthportion in the second direction may be greater than the first width, andthe varied width portion comprises a protrusion that protrudes from onesidewall of the first mask line pattern, wherein another sidewall of thefirst mask line pattern opposite the one sidewall of first mask linepattern is flush with portions of the first mask line pattern having thefirst width. During the forming of the first mask pattern, a pluralityof first mask line patterns may be formed each comprising a varied widthportion having a second width in the second direction less than thefirst width to form a recess within the corresponding first mask linepattern, wherein two adjacent first mask line patterns may besymmetrical to each other in a mirror-image relationship at the recessesof the two adjacent first mask line patterns. During the forming of thefirst mask pattern, a second width of the varied width portion may beless than the first width in the second direction forming a recess inone sidewall of the first mask line pattern. During the forming of theplurality of conductive line patterns, the conductive layer may comprisea metal, and the removing of the conductive layer is performed by usinga chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method of manufacturinga semiconductor device comprises forming a plurality of mask layerssequentially stacked on a substrate, forming a first mask pattern on theplurality of mask layers by a photolithography process, forming a firstspacer layer on the first mask pattern and a first mask layer of theplurality of mask layers, patterning the first spacer layer by ananisotropic etching process to form a first spacer, removing the firstmask pattern, patterning the first mask layer to form a second maskpattern by an anisotropic etching process using the first spacer as anetch mask, removing the first spacer, forming a second spacer layer onthe second mask pattern and a second mask layer of the plurality of masklayers, patterning the second spacer layer by an anisotropic etchingprocess to form a second spacer, removing the second mask pattern,patterning the second mask layer to form a third mask pattern by ananisotropic etching process using the second spacer as an etch mask,removing the second spacer, forming a conductor layer on the third maskpattern and on the substrate, and removing an upper portion of theconductor layer to expose the third mask pattern and to form a pluralityof conductor line patterns, wherein a first conductor line pattern ofthe plurality of conductor line patterns extends in a first directionand has a first width in a second direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the first direction, the first conductor comprising awider portion having a second width in the second direction that isgreater than the first width, wherein a second conductor line pattern ofthe plurality of conductor line patterns extends in the first direction,the second conductor line pattern being spaced apart from the firstconductor and formed conformally about the wider portion of the firstconductor line pattern.

The wider portion of the first conductor line pattern may be a pad in acell array region or in a page buffer region of a semiconductor device,and the method further comprises forming a conductive via in contactwith the pad. A third conductor line pattern of the plurality ofconductor line pattern may extend in the first direction and has an endportion, and the first, second, and third conductor line patterns extendin parallel to each other in the first direction at the end portion ofthe third conductor line pattern, wherein, with respect to a lineextending in the second direction and intersecting the third conductorline pattern at the end portion of the third conductor line pattern, thedistance between the first conductor line pattern and the secondconductor line pattern in the second direction may be substantially thesame as the distance between the second conductor line pattern and thethird conductor line pattern. The conformally formed portion of thesecond conductor line pattern may be located between the wider portionof the first conductor line pattern and the end portion of the thirdconductor line pattern, and the distance between the conformally formedportion of the second conductor line pattern and the wider portion ofthe first conductor line pattern in the first direction may besubstantially the same as the distance between the conformally formedportion of the second line pattern and the end portion of the thirdconductor line pattern in the first direction. The first mask patternmay comprise a first mask pattern extending in the first direction, andthe first mask pattern may comprise a first portion having a third widthin the second direction and a second portion having a fourth width inthe second direction that is different from the third width.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a memory system of asemiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a vertical cell array of asemiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic plan views of the arrangement of aconductive line pattern and a contact pad of a semiconductor deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 4A to 14B are plan views and side sectional views of a process offorming a pattern of a semiconductor device by using quadruplepatterning technology (QPT) according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 15A to 15F are plan views of a process of forming a pattern of asemiconductor device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 16A to 16F are plan views of a process of forming a pattern of asemiconductor device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 17A to 17F are plan views of a process of forming a pattern of asemiconductor device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18A to 18F are plan views of a process of forming a pattern of asemiconductor device, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIGS. 19A to 19F are plan views of a process of forming a pattern of asemiconductor device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding alist of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modifythe individual elements of the list.

The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsof the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however,be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. These example embodiments are justthat—examples—and many implementations and variations are possible thatdo not require the details provided herein. It should also be emphasizedthat the disclosure provides details of alternative examples, but suchlisting of alternatives is not exhaustive. Furthermore, any consistencyof detail between various examples should not be interpreted asrequiring such detail—it is impracticable to list every possiblevariation for every feature described herein. The language of the claimsshould be referenced in determining the requirements of the invention.In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions maybe exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numerals in the drawingsdenote like elements, and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are nointervening elements present. Other words used to describe therelationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion(e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directlyadjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of thepresent inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an”and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood thatthe terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “under”,“above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will beunderstood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the device in use or operation in addition tothe orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device inthe figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” theother elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” and“under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The devicemay be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations)and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpretedaccordingly. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layeris referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layerbetween the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also bepresent.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this inventive concept belongs. Itwill be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonlyused dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexplicitly so defined herein.

When some embodiments may be embodied otherwise, respective processsteps described herein may be performed otherwise. For example, twoprocess steps described in a sequential order may be performedsubstantially the same time or in reverse order.

Variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments of the inventive concept should not beconstrued as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example,from manufacturing.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a memory system 1000 of asemiconductor device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, the memory system 1000 of the semiconductor devicemay include a host 10, a memory controller 20, and a flash memory 30.

The memory controller 20 may serve as an interface between the host 10and the flash memory 30 and include a buffer memory 22. Although notshown, the memory controller 20 may further include a central processingunit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), andinterface blocks.

The flash memory 30 may further include a cell array 32, a decoder 34, apage buffer 36, a bit line selection circuit 38, a data buffer 42, and acontrol unit 44.

The host 10 may input data and a write command to the memory controller20, and the memory controller 20 may control the flash memory 30 towrite data to the cell array 32 in response to the input command. Also,the memory controller 20 may control the flash memory 30 to read datastored in the cell array 32 in response to a read command input by thehost 10. The buffer memory 22 may temporarily store data transmittedbetween the host 10 and the flash memory 30.

The cell array 32 of the flash memory 30 may include a plurality ofmemory cells. The decoder 34 may be connected to the cell array 32 viaword lines WL1, WL2 . . . and WLm. The decoder 34 may receive an addressfrom the memory controller 20 and generate a selection signal Yi toselect one of the word lines WL1, WL2 . . . and WLm or select one of bitlines BL1, BL2 . . . and BLn. The page buffer 36 may be connected to thecell array 32 via the bit lines BL1, BL2 . . . and BLn.

FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a vertical memory cell array2000 of a semiconductor device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the cell array 32 of FIG. 1.A cell array of a semiconductor device according to an exemplaryembodiment may be the vertical memory cell array 2000 having athree-dimensional (3D) structure shown in FIG. 2 or a 2D planar cellarray (not shown). The vertical memory cell array 2000 of thesemiconductor device according to the present embodiment may include aplurality of memory cell strings including k memory cell devices MC1,MC2, . . . , and MCk, which are connected in series, and a groundselection transistor GST and a string selection transistor SST, whichare respectively connected in series to both ends of the k memory celldevices MC1, MC2, . . . , and MCk.

The k memory cell devices MC1, MC2 . . . and MCk, which are connected inseries, may be respectively connected to the word lines WL1, WL2, WLmconfigured to select at least some of the memory cell devices MC1, MC2,. . . , and MCk.

A gate terminal of the ground selection transistor GST may be connectedto a ground selection line GSL, and a source terminal of the groundselection transistor GST may be connected to a common source line CSL.Also, a gate terminal of the string selection transistor SST may beconnected to a string selection line SSL, and a source terminal of thestring selection transistor SST may be connected to a drain terminal ofthe memory cell device MCk.

One ground selection transistor GST and one string selection transistorSST may be connected to the k memory cell devices MC1, MC2 . . . and MCkthat are connected in series. In another case, a plurality of groundselection transistors GST or a plurality of string selection transistorsSST may be connected to the k memory cell devices MC1, MC2 . . . and MCkthat are connected in series.

A drain terminal of the string selection transistor SST may be connectedto the bit lines BL1, BL2 . . . and BLn. When a signal is applied to thegate terminal of the string selection transistor SST via the stringselection line SSL, a signal applied via the bit lines BL1, BL2, . . . ,and BLn may be transmitted to the k memory cell devices MC1, MC2, . . ., and MCk, which are connected in series, so that a data read operationor a data write operation may be enabled. Also, by applying a signal tothe gate terminal of the ground selection transistor GST via the groundselection line GSL, an erase operation of removing all charges stored inthe k memory cell devices MC1, MC2 . . . and MCk may be performed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vertical memory cell array 2000is provided. The vertical memory cell array 2000 is monolithicallyformed in one or more physical levels of arrays of memory cells MC1, MC2. . . and MCk having an active area provided above a silicon substrateand circuitry associated with the operation of the memory cells MC1, MC2. . . and MCk, wherein such associated circuitry may be above or withinthe silicon substrate. The term “monolithic” means that layers of eachlevel of the vertical memory cell array 2000 are directly deposited onthe layers of each underlying level of the vertical memory cell array2000.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical memory cell array 2000 havingthe 3D structure may include a vertical NAND (VNAND) strings in which atleast one memory cell device MCk is located on another memory celldevice MCk-1 in a vertical direction. The at least one memory celldevice MCk may include a charge trap layer.

The following patent documents, which are hereby incorporated byreference, disclose suitable configurations for three-dimensional memoryarrays, in which the three-dimensional memory array is configured at aplurality of levels, with word lines and/or bit lines shared betweenlevels: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,679,133; 8,553,466; 8,654,587; 8,559,235; andUS Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0233648.

Among flash memory devices, a NAND flash memory device may have arelatively high integration density due to a structure in which aplurality of memory cells are connected in series. However, to shrink achip size, it is often necessary to further reduce the design rule ofthe NAND flash memory device. Also, a reduction in the design rule hasled reduction in the minimum pitch between patterns forming NAND flashmemory devices. To form fine patterns of a semiconductor deviceaccording to the reduced design rule, embodiments herein provide asemiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductordevice, by using patterns having sizes that may be obtained below theresolution limit of an exposure apparatus and exposure technology ofpresently developed photolithography technology. For example, certainembodiments of the present disclosure provide a semiconductor device anda method of manufacturing the same using current photolithographytechnology that may form fine conductive lines and pads having a sizebelow the resolution limit of current photolithography technology.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic plan views of the arrangement of aconductive line pattern and a contact pad of a semiconductor deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A shows a first region and a second region in which conductiveline patterns BL1, BL2, . . . , and BLn and contact pads P1A and P1B areformed, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The first region may be a cell array (refer to 32 in FIG. 1), and thesecond region may be a page buffer (refer to 36 in FIG. 1). Also, theconductive line patterns BL1, BL2 . . . and BLn may be bit lines.

The contact pads P1A and P1B may be located in the first region and/orthe second region. For example, contact pad forming regions CA1 and CA2may be located only in the cell array (refer to 32 in FIG. 1), only inthe page buffer (refer to 36 in FIG. 1), or in both the cell array 32and the page buffer 36. The contact pads may be in physical andelectrical contact with conductive vias (not shown), that provide avertical that to connect the conductive line patterns BL1 to wiring(e.g., metal conductor lines) at other layers of the semiconductordevice or to conductive portions of the substrate of the semiconductordevice (e.g., such as a S/D of a transistor). For example, when theconductive lines are bit lines (including sub bit lines used to connectmain bit lines to a page buffer), vias may be used to extend between(and contact) the contact pads CA1 and CA2 and a node of the page buffer(e.g., a S/D of a pass transistor interposed between the bit line andthe data latch and other remaining circuitry of the page puffer). Asanother example, when the conductive lines are bit lines, vias may beused to extend between (and contact) the contact pads CA1 and CA2 and anS/D of a string select transistor connected to a NAND cell string (e.g.,comprising a group of serially connected EEPROM memory celltransistors).The inventive concept is not limited to FIG. 3A regardingthe conductive line patterns BL1, BL2 . . . and BLn and the contact padsP1A and P1B. Positions, arrangements, shapes, directions, and numbers ofthe conductive line patterns BL1, BL2 . . . and BLn and the contact padsP1A and P1B and positional relationships between the contact pads P1Aand P1B may vary depending on a design of a semiconductor device.

A process of manufacturing the conductive line patterns BL1, BL2, . . ., and BLn including the contact pads P1A and P1B will be described indetail later with reference to FIGS. 4A to 19F.

Referring to FIG. 3B, according to an exemplary embodiment, conductiveline patterns BL1, BL2, . . . , and BLn may be formed in a first regionand a second region, and contact pads P1C, P1D, and P1E may be formed inthe second region.

Although FIG. 3B illustrates an example in which the contact pads P1C,P1D, and P1E are located only in the second region, the inventiveconcept is not limited thereto.

A process of manufacturing each of the contact pads P1C, P1D, and P1Ewill be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4A to 19F.Arrangement relationships among the contact pads P1C, P1D, and P1E willnow be described.

The second region of the semiconductor device may include a large numberof contact pads, and predetermined spaces for forming the contact padsmay be allocated to form the large number of contact pads. In general,the contact pads may benefit from a larger width than conductive linepatterns in a second direction (e.g., in a horizontal directionperpendicular the direction that the line patterns extend). Thus,according to some conventional designs, a pitch between the conductiveline patterns is increased to accommodate the contact pads so that theresulting semiconductor device includes only a relatively small numberof conductive line patterns in an area.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the contact pads P1C, P1D, and P1Emay be located apart from one another in a stair shape in a firstdirection. The conductive line patterns BL1, BL2, . . . , and BLn may beformed such that a first conductive line pattern BL4 includes a firstcontact pad P1E, a second conductive line pattern BL5 located adjacentto BL4 includes a second contact pad P1D and a bent portion surroundingthe first contact pad P1E, and a third conductive line pattern BL6located adjacent to the second conductive line pattern BL5simultaneously includes a third contact pad P1C, a bent portionsurrounding the second contact pad P1D, and an end portion located nearthe bent portion. Thus, a relatively large number of conductive linepatterns may be formed in the same area. The bent portions describedabove may be conformally formed about the profile of the contact pads(e.g., P1C and P1D) so that a constant spacing is maintained between theconductive line patterns, at locations without bent portions and atlocations with bent portions.

For example, since conductive line patterns conform to bend around thecontact pads of neighbouring conductive line patterns, the conductiveline patterns may be formed closely to each other, and therefore, anincrease in area or width per conductive line caused by the contact padsmay be compensated by the formation of the bent portions so that arelatively large number of conductive line patterns (e.g., bit lines)may be formed in the same area (e.g., the conductive line patterns maybe formed with a small pitch which need not increase due to the additionof the contact pads).

Respective characteristics of the first, second, and third conductiveline patterns BL1, BL2, and BL3 will be described in detail withreference to FIGS. 4A to 19F.

FIGS. 4A to 14B are plan views and side-sectional views of a method offorming patterns of a semiconductor device, according to some exemplaryembodiments, by using quadruple patterning technology (QPT).

FIGS. 4A to 14A are plan views of sequential operations of a process offorming patterns of a semiconductor device. FIGS. 4B to 14B areside-sectional views taken along lines B-B′ of FIGS. 4A to 14A,respectively.

In FIGS. 4A, 5A . . . and 14A, two directions, which are parallel to atop surface of a substrate 400 and intersect each other, may be definedas a first direction and a second direction, respectively. For example,the first direction may intersect the second direction at asubstantially right angle. In the drawings, a direction indicated by anarrow and an opposite direction thereto will be described as the samedirection. The above-described definition of the directions will beapplied likewise to all the following drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a plurality of mask layers, for example, afirst mask layer 100, a second mask layer 200, and a third mask layer300 may be provided on the substrate 400. The first to third mask layers100, 200, and 300 may be material layers for forming target patterns.The first to third mask layers 100, 200, and 300 may include the samematerial or different materials. When the first to third mask layers100, 200, and 300 include different materials, the first to third masklayers 100, 200, and 300 may have the same etch rate, similar etchrates, or different etch rates.

The substrate 400 may include a semiconductor material, for example, aGroup IV semiconductor, a Group III-V compound semiconductor, or a GroupII-VI oxide semiconductor. For example, the Group IV semiconductor mayinclude silicon (Si), germanium (Ge) or silicon-germanium (SiGe). Thesubstrate 400 may be a bulk wafer or an epitaxial layer. Alternatively,the substrate 400 may be a semiconductor substrate, such as asilicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate or a gallium arsenide (GaAs)substrate. Although not shown, unit devices, for example, various kindsof active devices or passive devices, may be formed on the substrate 400to form a semiconductor device. Optionally, the substrate 400 may be aninsulating substrate including SiO₂ or other inorganic oxides or a glasssubstrate.

Each of the first to third mask layers 100, 200, and 300 may be, forexample, a polysilicon layer.

A material layer (not shown) may be formed on each of the first to thirdmask layers 100, 200, and 300. The material layer may include anymaterial having a sufficient etch selectivity with respect to the firstto third mask layers 100, 200, and 300. For example, the material layermay include a carbon-based material. For example, the material layer maybe an amorphous carbon layer (ACL) or a spin-on hardmask (SOH). The SOHmay include a hydrocarbon compound or derivatives thereof, which maycontain a relatively high carbon content, for example, about 85% byweight to about 99% by weight of carbon, based on a total weight of theSOH.

The third mask layer 300 may be formed on the substrate 400, the secondmask layer 200 may be formed on the third mask layer 300, and the firstmask layer 100 may be formed on the second mask layer 200. A materiallayer may be formed on each of the first mask layer 100, the second masklayer 200, and the third mask layer 300. For example, material layersmay be formed between the first to third mask layers and on top of thefirst mask layer 100.

A first mask pattern M1 may be formed on the first mask layer 100 or thematerial layer formed on the first mask layer 100. The first maskpattern M1 may include any material having an etch selectivity withrespect to the material layer and a first spacer layer (refer to 110 inFIG. 5B) to be subsequently formed. The first mask pattern M1 may be,for example, a photoresist pattern. In this case, the formation of thefirst mask pattern M1 may include forming a photoresist layer andexposing and developing the photoresist layer. However, the first maskpattern M1 is not limited to the photoresist pattern.

When the first mask pattern M1 is a photoresist pattern, ananti-reflective layer (ARL) (not shown) may be further formed betweenthe first mask layer 100 and the first mask pattern M1 to form a finerpattern. The ARL may include, for example, SiON.

The first mask pattern M1 may include a plurality of mask line patternsM1A, M1B, and M1C. The plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1Cmay be spaced apart from one another and have the same mask line widthWM and extend parallel to one another in a first direction. Theplurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may include at leastone first mask line pattern (e.g., M1B) including a varied width portionPM having a width different from the mask line width WM. Although onefirst mask line pattern M1B is illustrated, the inventive concept is notlimited thereto and a plurality of first mask line patterns M1B may beprovided. The varied width portion PM may have a width that is largerthan the width WM of the remainder of the first mask line pattern M1B.

The mask line width MW of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B,and M1C may be greater than 1F (F may be a constant distance, such asthe minimum feature size). For example, the mask line width WM may be3F. Distances between the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, andM1C may be greater than the mask line width WM. For example, thedistance between the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1Cmay be 5F. The mask line width WM and the distance between the pluralityof mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be modified according tosizes and arrangements of conductive line patterns and contact pads tobe finally formed. For example, the mask line width WM and the distancebetween the mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may have other valuesand/or forms than those in the FIG. 4A.

The varied width portion PM may be formed in a portion of the first maskline pattern M1B. The varied width portion PM may be formed on only onesidewall of the first mask line pattern M1B or both sidewalls thereof.The varied width portion PM may protrude from the first mask linepattern M1B or be recessed in the first mask line pattern M1B. Thevaried width portion PM may be formed in the portion of the first maskline pattern M1B and have a predetermined length in the first direction.Positions, sizes, and shapes of contact pads to be finally formed maydepend on a position, size, and shape of the varied width portion PM.

The varied width portion PM shown in FIG. 4A may protrude from each ofboth sidewalls of the first mask line pattern M1B by an additional widthof 2F. Thus, the varied width portion PM may have a total width of 7Fand have a rectangular shape with a predetermined length in the firstdirection (it is expected that due to typical semiconductor processtechniques, the rectangular shape will include variations from a truegeometrical rectangle, such as including rounded corners). The variedwidth portion PM is not limited to the shape shown in the presentembodiment and may have various other shapes as described below.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a first spacer layer 110 may beconformally formed on an exposed surface of the first mask layer 100 andthe entire surface of the first mask pattern Ml. The first spacer layer110 may be formed by using, for example, a CVD (chemical vapordeposition) process or an ALD (atomic layer deposition) process, but amethod of forming the first space layer 110 is not limited thereto.

The first spacer layer 110 may include any material having an etchselectivity with respect to the first mask layer 100 and the first maskpattern Ml. For example, the first spacer layer 110 may include siliconoxide.

The thickness of the first spacer layer 110 is not specifically limited.For example, the thickness of the first spacer layer 110 may be ⅓ of amask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, andM1C. For example, the first spacer layer 110 may be formed to athickness equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of conductive linepatterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first spacer layer (refer to 110 inFIG. 5B) may be anisotropically etched to form first spacers 1105.

The first spacers 110S may be formed by using, for example, C_(x)F_(y)gas or CH_(x)F_(y) gas (Here, each of x and y is an integer ranging from1 to 10) as a main etch gas. Alternatively, the first spacers 110S maybe formed by mixing the main etch gas with at least one gas selectedfrom O₂ gas and Ar gas.

The first spacer layer (refer to 110 in FIG. 5B) may be etched in aplasma atmosphere by generating plasma of an etch gas selected from theabove-described etch gases in an etching chamber. Alternatively, thefirst spacer layer 110 may be etched in an atmosphere of the selectedetch gas in an ion-energy-free state without generating plasma in theetching chamber. For example, the first spacer layer 110 may be etchedby a gas state of the selected etch gas.

A width of the first spacers 110S may be equal or similar to a thicknessof the first spacer layer 110. The width of the first spacers 110S maybe about ⅓ a mask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patternsM1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the first spacers 110S may be formed toa width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of the conductive linepatterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, after the first spacers 110S are formed,the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 6B) may be removed.

After the first spacers 110S are formed, the first mask pattern M1 maybe removed by using different processes according to constituentmaterial of the first mask pattern M1. For example, when the first maskpattern M1 includes photoresist, the first mask pattern M1 may beremoved by using an ashing process and a stripping process. The removalof the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 6B) may be performedunder a condition where the etching of the first spacers 110S and thefirst mask layer 100 is inhibited.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first mask layer (refer to 100 in FIG.7B) may be anisotropically etched by using the first spacer 110S as anetch mask, thereby forming a second mask pattern M2. The anisotropicetching process for forming the second mask pattern M2 may be, forexample, a reactive ion etching (RIE) process or an inductively coupledplasma (ICP) etching process.

In this case, residue of the first spacers (refer to 110S in FIG. 7B)may remain on the second mask pattern M2. The residue of the firstspacers 110S may be removed for a subsequent process.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a second spacer layer 210 may beconformally formed on an exposed surface of the second mask layer 200and the entire surface of the second mask pattern M2. The second spacerlayer 210 may be formed by using, for example, a CVD process or an ALDprocess, but a process of forming the second spacer layer 210 is notlimited thereto.

The second spacer layer 210 may include a material having an etchselectivity with respect to the second mask pattern M2 and the secondmask layer 200. For example, the second spacer layer 210 may includesilicon oxide.

The thickness of the second spacer layer 210 is not specifically limitedand may be, for example, ⅓ a mask line width WM of the plurality of maskline patterns (refer to M1A, M1B, and M1C in FIG. 4B). For example, thesecond spacer layer 210 may be formed to a thickness equal or similar tothe width (i.e., 1F) of a conductive line pattern to be finally formed.Alternatively, the second spacer layer 210 may be formed to a thicknessequal or similar to the width of the second mask pattern M2.

The first spacer layer (refer to 110 in FIG. 5B) may include the samematerial as the second spacer layer 210. Also, the first spacer layer(refer 110 in FIG. 5B) may be formed to the same thickness as the secondspacer layer 210.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second spacer layer (refer to 210 inFIG. 9B) may be anisotropically etched to form second spacers 210S.

Since the method of forming the second spacers 210S by anisotropicallyetching the second spacer layer (refer to 210 in FIG. 9B), is the sameas the method described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, detaileddescriptions thereof are omitted.

The second spacers 210S may be formed on both sidewalls of the secondmask pattern M2 such that the proportion of the widths of the secondspacers 210S, the second mask pattern M2, and an exposed portion of thesecond mask layer 200 is about 1:1:1. Also, each of the width of thesecond spacers 210S, the width of the second mask pattern M2, and theexposed width of the second mask layer 200 may be equal or similar tothe width (i.e., 1F) of conductive line patterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, after the second spacers 210S areformed, the second mask pattern (refer to M2 in FIG. 10B) may beremoved.

The removal of the second mask pattern (refer to M2 in FIG. 10B) may beperformed under a condition where the etching of the second spacers 210Sand the second mask layer 200 is inhibited.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the second mask layer (refer to 200 inFIG. 11B) may be anisotropically etched by using the second spacers 210Sas an etch mask, thereby forming a third mask pattern M3. Theanisotropic etching process for forming the third mask pattern M3 may beperformed by using, for example, an RIE process or an ICP etchingprocess.

In this case, residue of the second spacers (refer to 210S in FIG. 11B)may remain on the third mask pattern M3. The residue of the secondspacers 210S may be removed for a subsequent process.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an exposed surface of the third masklayer 300 and the entire surface of the third mask pattern M3 may becovered with a conductive layer 500. The conductive layer 500 may beformed to such a sufficient thickness as to fill spaces between maskline patterns included in the third mask pattern M3 and cover the thirdmask pattern M3.

The conductive layer 500 may include copper (Cu) or a copper alloy.After a copper (Cu) seed layer (not shown) is formed on the exposedsurface of the third mask layer 300 and the third mask pattern M3, theconductive layer 500 may be formed on the copper seed layer by using anelectroplating process. In another case, the third mask pattern M3 maybe used as a seed layer for an electroplating process. In this case, theformation of the copper seed layer may be omitted.

For example, the conductive layer 500 may include aluminum (Al),tungsten (W), rhodium (Rh), osmium (Os), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta),palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), molybdenum (Mo), a metal silicide, or acombination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the conductive layer (refer to 500 inFIG. 13B) formed on the exposed surface of the third mask layer 300 andthe entire surface of the third mask pattern M3 may be removed to form aplurality of conductive line patterns 510. The removal process may beperformed by using the third mask pattern M3 as an etch stop layer. Forexample, a top surface of the third mask pattern M3 may be exposed byplanarizing the conductive layer (refer to 500 in FIG. 13B) by using theremoval process. For example, top surfaces of the plurality ofconductive line patterns 510 may be coplanar with the top surface of thethird mask pattern M3. The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 maybe electrically insulated from one another by the third mask pattern M3.

The removal process may be performed by using a chemical mechanicalpolishing (CMP) process or an etchback process. The removal of theconductive layer (refer to 500 in FIG. 13B) may be performed under acondition where the etching of the third mask pattern M3 is inhibited.When the conductive layer 500 is removed by using a CMP process, theetching of the third mask pattern M3 may be inhibited by adjustingslurry, a polishing pad, and a polishing condition.

As described above, an ultrafine pattern that may exceed the resolutionlimit may be formed by using QPT. For example, the first mask pattern(refer to M1 in FIG. 4B) having a width greater than a minimum featuresize (1F) may be formed by using a one-time photolithography process. Byusing the first mask pattern M1 and through the second mask pattern M2,as described above, a third mask pattern M3 having a width of 1F may beformed. Four mask line patterns constituting the third mask pattern M3may be formed by and may correspond to one mask line pattern included inthe first mask pattern M1. A damascene process may be performed by usingthe third mask pattern M3 as an insulating line pattern so that aplurality of conductive line patterns 510 having a width of 1F may befinally formed.

The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 may include a firstconductive line pattern L1, second conductive line patterns L2, thirdconductive line patterns L3, fourth conductive line patterns L4, anddummy conductive line patterns LD. The plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 may have the same width.

Portions of the first conductive line pattern L1 may include protrusionsP11, each of which may have a width W12 in the second direction and awidth W13 in the first direction. A width W12 of the protrusion P11 maybe greater than a width W1 of the first conductive line pattern L1. Theprotrusion P11 may be formed in a cell array region and/or a page bufferregion. The protrusion P11 may be a contact pad. The protrusion P11 anda similar shapes described in this disclosure may also be referred to asa wider portion throughout this disclosure.

The protrusions P11 may be formed on both side walls of the firstconductive line pattern L1, and the width W12 of each of the protrusionsP11 may have a size of 5F.

A plurality of second conductive line patterns L2 may be formed adjacentto the first conductive line pattern L1 and include bent portions P12that surround the protrusions P11, respectively. The bent portion P12 ofeach of the second conductive line patterns L2 may have a width W14 in afirst direction, and the width W14 of the bent portion P12 may begreater than the width W13 of the protrusion P11.

During the formation of the protrusion P11 of the first conductive linepattern L1 by using the varied width portion PM of the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 4A), the second conductive line patterns L2adjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 may be formed toinclude the bent portion P12.

A plurality of third conductive line patterns L3 may be formed adjacentto the second conductive line patterns L2 and have end portions P13 thatface the bent portions P12 of the second conductive line patterns L2,respectively.

Due to the bent portion P12 of the second conductive line patterns L2, alength of the third conductive line patterns L3 may be less than eachlength of the first conductive line pattern L1 and the second conductiveline patterns L2 in the first direction.

For example, due to the bent portions P12 of the second conductive linepatterns L2, dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formed in anopposite direction to a direction in which the end portions P13 of thethird conductive line patterns L3 face the bent portions P12 of thesecond conductive line patterns L2. For example, a dummy conductive linepattern LD may be formed at one side apart from a bent portion P12 of asecond conductive line pattern L2, and an end portion P13 of a thirdconductive line pattern L3 may be formed at the opposite side apart fromthe bent portion P12. The dummy conductive line patterns LD may have afirst width and be parallel to the first direction. The third conductiveline patterns L3 and the dummy conductive line patterns LD may belocated in straight lines, respectively. For example, the thirdconductive line patterns L3 and the dummy conductive line patterns LDmay be disposed in the same line but in different locations disconnectedfrom each other. Positions of the third conductive line patterns L3 andthe dummy conductive line patterns LD may be exchanged.

For example, a plurality of third conductive line patterns L3 may bespaced apart from a plurality of dummy conductive line patterns LD withthe bent portions P12 of the second conductive line patterns L2therebetween.

A plurality of the dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formedadjacent to the second conductive line patterns L2 and have end portionsPD1 that face the bent portions P12 of the second conductive linepatterns L2, respectively.

The fourth conductive line patterns L4 may be formed adjacent to thethird conductive line patterns L3. A minimum space between the fourthconductive line patterns L4 and the bent portions P12 of the secondconductive line patterns L2 may be equal or similar to the width W1 ofthe first conductive line pattern L1. For example, since the third maskpattern M3 is formed between the plurality of conductive line patterns510 and the width of the third mask pattern M3 is equal or similar tothe width of the plurality of conductive line patterns 510, the minimumspace between the fourth conductive line patterns L4 and the bentportions P12 of the second conductive line patterns L2 may be equal orsimilar to the width of the third mask pattern M3.

FIGS. 15A to 15F are plan views of a process of forming patterns of asemiconductor device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Detailed descriptions of the same elements and functions as described inFIGS. 4A to 14B will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 15A, a first mask pattern M1 may be formed on a firstmask layer 100 or a material layer formed on the first mask layer 100.The first mask pattern M1 may include a plurality of mask line patternsM1A, M1B, and M1C. A mask line width WM of the plurality of mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be greater than 1F. 1F may be a targetwidth of the eventual conductive line patterns which are subsequentlyformed by multiple step of process using the first mask pattern M1 andsubsequent patterns. Distances between the plurality of mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be greater than the mask line width WM.The mask line width WM and the distance between the plurality of maskline patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be modified according to sizes andarrangements of conductive line patterns and contact pads to be finallyformed. For example, the mask line width WM and the distance between themask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may have other values and/or formsthan those in the FIG. 15A.

A varied width portion PM may be formed in a portion of the first maskline pattern M1B. The varied width portion PM may protrude to the seconddirection by a width of 1F from both sidewalls of the first mask linepattern M1B and have a total width of 5F. For example, the varied widthportion PM may have a rectangular shape with a predetermined length inthe first direction. Since positions, sizes, and shapes of contact padsto be finally formed depend on a position, size, and shape of the variedwidth portion PM, the shape of the varied width portion PM may vary. Forexample, the positions, sizes, and shapes of the varied width portionsPM may have other values and/or forms than those of FIG. 15A.

Referring to FIG. 15B, a first spacer layer may be conformally formed onan exposed surface of the first mask layer 100 and the entire surface ofthe first mask pattern M1 and anisotropically etched to form firstspacers 110S.

A width of the first spacers 110S may be equal or similar to a thicknessof the first spacer layer. The width of the first spacers 110S may be ⅓of the mask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C. For example, the first spacers 110S may be formed to awidth equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of the conductive linepattern to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 15C, after the first spacers (refer to 110S in FIG.15B) are formed, the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 15B) may beremoved. Thereafter, the first mask layer (refer to 100 in FIG. 15B) maybe anisotropically etched by using the first spacers 110S as an etchmask so that a second mask pattern M2 may be formed on a second masklayer 200.

Referring to FIG. 15D, a second spacer layer may be conformally formedon an exposed surface of the second mask layer 200 and the entiresurface of the second mask pattern M2 and anisotropically etched to formsecond spacers 210S.

A width of the second spacers 210S may be equal or similar to athickness of the second spacer layer. The width of the second spacers210S may be ⅓ of the mask line width WM of the plurality of mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the second spacers 210S may beformed to a width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of theconductive line pattern to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 15E, the second mask layer (refer to 200 in FIG. 15D)may be anisotropically etched by using the second spacer (refer to 210Sin FIG. 15D) as an etch mask so that a third mask pattern M3 may beformed on third mask layer 300.

Referring to FIG. 15F, an ultrafine pattern that may exceed theresolution limit may be formed by using QPT. For example, the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 15A) having a width greater than 1F, thetarget width of the eventual conductive line patterns, may be formed byusing a one-time photolithography process. By using the first maskpattern M1 and through the second mask pattern M2, as described above, athird mask pattern M3 having a width of 1F may be formed. Four mask linepatterns constituting the third mask pattern M3 may be formed by and maycorrespond to one mask line pattern included in the first mask patternM1. A damascene process may be performed by using the third mask patternM3 as an insulating line pattern so that a plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 having a width of 1F may be finally formed.

The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 may include a firstconductive line pattern L1, second conductive line patterns L2, thirdconductive line patterns L3, fourth conductive line patterns L4, anddummy conductive line patterns LD. The plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 may have the same width.

Portions of the first conductive line pattern L1 may include protrusionsP21, each of which may have a width W22 in the second direction and awidth W23 in the first direction. The width W22 of the protrusion P21may be greater than the width W1 of the first conductive line patternL1. The protrusions P21 may be formed in the cell array region and/orthe page buffer region. The protrusions P21 may be contact pads.

The protrusions P21 may be formed on both sidewalls of the firstconductive line pattern L1, and the width W22 of the protrusions P21 mayhave a size of 3F, three times of the width of the conductive linepattern L1.

A plurality of the second conductive line patterns L2 may be formedadjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 and include bentportions P22 that surround the protrusions P21, respectively. The bentportion P22 of each of the second conductive line patterns L2 may have awidth W24 in the first direction, and the width W24 of each of the bentportions P22 may be greater than the width W23 of the protrusions P21.

During a process of forming the protrusions P21 of the first conductiveline pattern L1 by using the varied width portion PM of the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 15A), the second conductive line patternsL2 adjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 may be formed toinclude the bent portions P22.

A plurality of the third conductive line patterns L3 may be formedadjacent to the second conductive line patterns L2. Each of the thirdconductive line patterns L3 may have an end portion P23 located in aline apart from the bent portion P22 of the second conductive linepattern L2. For example, the end portion P23 of the third conductiveline pattern L3 may be disposed near the bent portion P22, andelectrically insulated from the bent portion P22.

Due to the bent portions P22 of the second conductive line patterns L2,the third conductive line patterns L3 may have a length smaller thaneach length of the first conductive line pattern L1 and the secondconductive line patterns L2 in the first direction. For example, thebent portions P22 of the second conductive line patterns L2 may blockthe third conductive line patterns L3 in the first direction.

For example, due to the bent portions P22 of the second conductive linepatterns L2, dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formed oppositethe end portions P23 of the third conductive line patterns L3 across thebent portions P22 of the second conductive line patterns L2. The dummyconductive line patterns LD may have the first width and be parallel tothe first direction. The third conductive line patterns L3 and the dummyconductive line patterns LD may be located in straight lines,respectively. For example, the third conductive line patterns L3 and thedummy conductive line patterns LD may be disposed in the same line butin different locations disconnected from each other.

A plurality of dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formed adjacentto the second conductive line patterns L2. Each of the dummy conductiveline patterns LD may have an end portion PD2 that is located in a lineapart from the bent portion P22 of the second conductive line patternL2. For example, the plurality of dummy conductive line patterns LD maybe parallel and formed next to the second conductive line patterns L2other than the bent portion P22.

The fourth conductive line patterns L4 may be adjacent to the thirdconductive line patterns L3, and a minimum space between the fourthconductive line patterns L4 and the bent portions P22 of the secondconductive line patterns L2 may be equal or similar to twice the widthW1 of the first conductive line pattern L1. For example, the third maskpattern M3 may be formed between the plurality of conductive linepatterns 510, a width of the third mask pattern M3 may be equal orsimilar to a width of the plurality of conductive line patterns 510, andthe third mask patterns M3 may contact and be unified with each otherbetween the fourth conductive line pattern L4 and the bent portion P22of the second conductive line pattern L2. Thus, a minimum space betweenthe fourth conductive line patterns L4 and the bent portion P22 of thesecond conductive line patterns L2 may be equal or similar to twice thewidth of the other parts of the third mask pattern M3. For example, thedistance between the fourth conductive line pattern L4 and the bentportion P22 of the second conductive line pattern L2 may be about 2W or2F.

FIGS. 16A to 16F are plan views of a process of forming patterns of asemiconductor device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Detailed descriptions of the same elements and functions as described inFIGS. 4A to 14B will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 16A, a first mask pattern M1 may be formed on a firstmask layer 100 or a material layer formed on the first mask layer 100.The first mask pattern M1 may include a plurality of mask line patterns,for example, mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. A mask line width WMof the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be greaterthan 1F, the target width of the final conductive line patterns formedby using the mask line pattern M1. Distances between the plurality ofmask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be greater than the mask linewidth WM. The mask line width WM and the distance between the pluralityof mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be modified according tosizes and arrangements of conductive line patterns and contact pads tobe finally formed. For example, the mask line width WM and the distancebetween the mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may have other valuesand/or forms than those in the FIG. 16A.

For example, the width of the first line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C maybe 3F, and the distance between the first line patterns M1A, M1B, andM1C may be 5F. Varied width portions PM may be formed in portions of thefirst mask line patterns M1A and M1B. For example, each of the variedwidth portions PM may be formed by recessing one sidewall of one of thefirst mask line patterns M1A and M1B to a width of 1F, each of thevaried width portions PM of the first mask line patterns M1A and M1B mayhave a width of 2F, and a distance between the varied width portions PMmay be 7F. Thus, a rectangular shape having a predetermined length inthe first direction may be formed. For example, an empty rectangularshape may be formed between and by the first mask line patterns M1A andM1B, which has a 7F width in the second direction and the predeterminedlength in the first direction. The varied width portions PM may berecessed such that adjacent first line patterns M1A and M1B are locatedsymmetrically in mirror-image relations. Since positions, sizes, andshapes of contact pads to be finally formed depend on positions, sizes,and shapes of the varied width portions PM, the shapes of the variedwidth portions PM may vary. For example, the positions, sizes, andshapes of the varied width portions PM may have other values and/orforms than those of FIG. 16A.

Referring to FIG. 16B, a first spacer layer may be conformally formed onan exposed surface of the first mask layer 100 and the entire surface ofthe first mask pattern M1 and anisotropically etched to form firstspacers 110S.

A width of the first spacers 110S may be equal or similar to a thicknessof the first spacer layer. The width of the first spacers 110S may beabout ⅓ a mask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C. For example, the first spacers 110S may be formed to awidth equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of conductive linepatterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 16C, after the first spacers (refer to 110S in FIG.16B) are formed, the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 16B) may beremoved. Afterwards, the first mask layer (refer to 100 in FIG. 16B) maybe anisotropically etched by using the first spacers (refer to 110S inFIG. 16B) as an etch mask, thereby forming a second mask pattern M2 onthe second mask layer 200.

Referring to FIG. 16D, a second spacer layer may be conformally formedon an exposed surface of the second mask layer 200 and the entiresurface of the second mask pattern M2 and anisotropically etched to formsecond spacers 210S.

A width of the second spacers 210S may be equal or similar to athickness of the second spacer layer. The width of the second spacers210S may be about ⅓ the mask line width WM of the plurality of mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the second spacers 210S may beformed to a width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of theconductive line patterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 16E, the second mask layer (refer to 200 in FIG. 16D)may be anisotropically etched by using the second spacers (refer to 210Sin FIG. 16D) as an etch mask so that a third mask pattern M3 may beformed on a third mask layer 300.

Referring to FIG. 16F, an ultrafine pattern that may exceed theresolution limit may be formed by using QPT. For example, the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 16A) having a width greater than 1F, thetarget width of the eventual conductive line patterns, may be formed byusing a one-time photolithography process. By using the first maskpattern M1 and through the second mask pattern M2, as described above, athird mask pattern M3 having a width of 1F may be formed. Four mask linepatterns constituting the third mask pattern M3 may be formed by and maycorrespond to one mask line pattern included in the first mask patternM1. A damascene process may be performed by using the third mask patternM3 as an insulating line pattern so that a plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 having a width of 1F may be finally formed.

The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 may include a firstconductive line pattern L1, second conductive line patterns L2, thirdconductive line patterns L3, fourth conductive line patterns L4, anddummy conductive line patterns LD. The plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 may have the same width.

Portions of the first conductive line pattern L1 may include protrusionsP31, each of which may have a width W32 in the second direction and awidth W33 in the first direction. The width W32 of the protrusions P31may be greater than a width W1 of the first conductive line pattern L1.The protrusion P31 may be formed in the cell array region and/or thepage buffer region. The protrusions P31 may be contact pads.

The protrusions P31 may be formed on both sidewalls of the firstconductive line pattern L1, and the width W32 of the protrusion P31 mayhave a size of 3F, three times of the width of the conductive linepatterns L1-L4.

A plurality of the second conductive line patterns L2 may be formedadjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 and include bentportions P32 that surround the protrusions P31, respectively. Each ofthe bent portions P32 of the second conductive line patterns L2 may havea width W34 in the first direction, and the width W34 of the bentportion P32 may be greater than the width W33 of the protrusion P31.

During a process of forming the protrusions P31 of the first conductiveline pattern L1 by using the varied width portions PM of the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 16A), the second conductive line patternsL2 adjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 may be formed toinclude the bent portions P32, respectively.

A plurality of third conductive line patterns L3 may be formed adjacentto the second conductive line patterns L2. Each of the third conductiveline patterns L3 may have an end portion P33 located in a line apartfrom the bent portion P32 of the second conductive line patterns L2.

Due to the bent portion of the second conductive line patterns L2, thethird conductive line patterns L3 may have a length less than eachlength of the first conductive line pattern L1 and the second conductiveline patterns L2 in the first direction.

For example, due to the bent portions P32 of the second conductive linepatterns L2, dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formed oppositeend portions P33 of the third conductive line patterns L3 across thebent portions P32 of the second conductive line patterns L2. The dummyconductive line LD may have the first width and be parallel to the firstdirection. The third conductive line patterns L3 and the dummyconductive line patterns LD may be located in straight lines,respectively. For example, the third conductive line patterns L3 and thedummy conductive line patterns LD may be disposed in the same line butin different locations disconnected from each other.

A plurality of the dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formedadjacent to the second conductive line patterns L2. Each of the dummyconductive line patterns LD may have an end portion PD3 located in aline apart from the bent portion P32 of the second conductive linepatterns L2.

The fourth conductive line patterns L4 may be formed adjacent to thethird conductive line patterns L3, and a minimum space between thefourth conductive line patterns L4 and the bent portion P32 of thesecond conductive line patterns L2 may be equal or similar to twice thewidth W1 of the first conductive line pattern L1. For example, the thirdmask patterns M3 may be located among the plurality of conductive linepatterns 510, a width of the third mask patterns M3 may be equal orsimilar to a width of the plurality of conductive line patterns 510, andthe third mask patterns M3 may contact and be unified with each otherbetween the fourth conductive line patterns L4 and the bent portions P32of the second conductive line patterns L2. Thus, a minimum space betweenthe fourth conductive line patterns L4 and the bent portion P32 of thesecond conductive line patterns L2 may be equal or similar to twice thewidth of the other parts of the third mask patterns M3. For example, thedistance between the fourth conductive line pattern L4 and the bentportion P22 of the second conductive line pattern L2 may be about 2W or2F.

FIGS. 17A to 17F are plan views of a process of forming patterns of asemiconductor device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Detailed descriptions of the same elements and functions as described inFIGS. 4A to 14B will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 17A, a first mask pattern M1 may be formed on a firstmask layer 100 or a material layer formed on the first mask layer 100.The first mask pattern M1 may include a plurality of mask line patternsM1A, M1B, and M1C. A mask line width WM of the plurality of mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be greater than 1F, the target width ofthe eventual conductive line patterns. Distances between the pluralityof mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be greater than the maskline width WM. The mask line width WM and the distance between theplurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may be modifiedaccording to sizes and arrangements of conductive line patterns andcontact pads to be finally formed. For example, the mask line width WMand the distance between the mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C mayhave other values and/or forms than those in the FIG. 17A.

Varied width portions PM may be formed in portions of first mask linepatterns M1A and M1B. The varied width portions PM may be respectivelyrecessed in sidewalls of the first mask line patterns M1A and M1B to awidth of 2F. Thus, each of the varied width portions PM of the firstmask line patterns M1A and M1B may have a width of 1F, a distancebetween the varied width portions PM may be 9F, and a rectangular shapehaving a predetermined length in the first direction may be formed. Forexample, an empty rectangular shape may be formed between and by thefirst mask line patterns M1A and M1B, which has a 9F width in the seconddirection and the predetermined length in the first direction. Thevaried width portions PM may be recessed such that first mask linepatterns M1A and M1B located adjacent to each other are symmetrical toeach other in mirror-image relations. Since positions, sizes, and shapesof contact pads to be finally formed depend on positions, sizes, andshapes of the varied width portions PM, the shapes of the varied widthportions PM may vary. For example, the positions, sizes, and shapes ofthe varied width portions PM may have other values and/or forms thanthose of FIG. 17A.

Referring to FIG. 17B, a first spacer layer may be conformally formed onan exposed surface of the first mask layer 100 and the entire surface ofthe first mask pattern M1 and anisotropically etched to form firstspacers 110S.

A width of the first spacers 110S may be equal or similar to a thicknessof the first spacer layer. The width of the first spacers 110S may beabout ⅓ of a mask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patternsM1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the first spacers 110S may be formed toa width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of conductive linepatterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 17C, after the first spacers (refer to 110S in FIG.17B) are formed, the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 17B) may beremoved. Thereafter, the first mask layer (refer to 100 in FIG. 17B) maybe anisotropically etched by using the first spacers 110S as an etchmask so that a second mask pattern M2 may be formed on the second masklayer 200.

Referring to FIG. 17D, a second spacer layer may be conformally formedon an exposed surface of the second mask layer 200 and the entiresurface of the second mask pattern M2 and anisotropically etched to formsecond spacers 210S.

A width of the second spacers 210S may be equal or similar to athickness of the second spacer layer. The width of the second spacers210S may be about ⅓ of the mask line width WM of the plurality of maskline patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the second spacers 210Smay be formed to a width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of theconductive line patterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 17E, the second mask layer (refer to 200 in FIG. 17D)may be anisotropically etched by using the second spacers (refer to 210Sin FIG. 17D) as an etch mask to form a third mask pattern M3 on a thirdmask layer 300.

Referring to FIG. 17F, an ultrafine pattern that may exceed theresolution limit may be formed by using QPT. For example, the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 17A) having a width greater than 1F may beformed by using a one-time photolithography process. By using the firstmask pattern M1 and through the second mask pattern M2, as describedabove, a third mask pattern M3 having a width of 1F may be formed. Fourmask line patterns constituting the third mask pattern M3 may be formedby and may correspond to one mask line pattern included in the firstmask pattern M1. A damascene process may be performed by using the thirdmask pattern M3 as an insulating line pattern so that a plurality ofconductive line patterns 510 having a width of 1F may be finally formed.

The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 may include a firstconductive line pattern L1, second conductive line patterns L2, thirdconductive line patterns L3, fourth conductive line patterns L4, anddummy conductive line patterns LD. The plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 may have the same width.

Portions of the first conductive line pattern L1 may include protrusionsP41, each of which may have a width W42 in the second direction and awidth W43 in the first direction. The width W42 of the protrusion P41may be greater than a width W1 of the first conductive line pattern L1.The protrusions P41 may be formed in a cell array region and/or a pagebuffer region. The protrusions P41 may be contact pads.

The protrusions P41 may be formed on both sidewalls of the firstconductive line pattern L1, and the width W42 of the protrusion P41 mayhave a size of 5F.

A plurality of second conductive line patterns L2 may be formed adjacentto the first conductive line pattern L1 and include bent portions P42that surround the protrusions P41, respectively. Each of the bentportions P42 of the second conductive line patterns L2 may have a widthW44 in the first direction, and the width W44 of each of the bentportions P42 may be greater than the width W43 of each of theprotrusions P41.

During a process of forming the protrusion P41 of the first conductiveline pattern L1 by using the varied width portions PM of the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 17A), the second conductive line patternsL2 adjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 may be formed toinclude the bent portions P42.

A plurality of the third conductive line patterns L3 may be formedadjacent to the second conductive line patterns L2 and include endportions P43 that face the bent portions P42 of the second conductiveline patterns L2, respectively.

Due to the bent portion P42 of the second conductive line patterns L2,the third conductive line patterns L3 may have a length less than eachlength of the first conductive line pattern L1 and the second conductiveline patterns L2 in the first direction.

For example, due to the bent portions P42 of the second conductive linepatterns L2, dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formed in anopposite direction to a direction in which the end portions P43 of thethird conductive line patterns L3 face the bent portions P42 of thesecond conductive line patterns L2. For example, a dummy conductive linepattern LD may be formed at one side apart from a bent portion P42 of asecond conductive line pattern L2, and an end portion P43 of a thirdconductive line pattern L3 may be formed at the opposite side apart fromthe bent portion P42. The dummy conductive line patterns LD may have thefirst width and be parallel to the first direction. The third conductiveline patterns L3 and the dummy conductive line patterns LD may belocated in straight lines, respectively. For example, the thirdconductive line patterns L3 and the dummy conductive line patterns LDmay be disposed in the same line but in different locations disconnectedfrom each other.

For example, a plurality of third conductive line patterns L3 may bespaced apart from a plurality of dummy conductive line patterns LD withthe bent portions P42 of the second conductive line patterns L2therebetween.

A plurality of dummy conductive line patterns LD may be formed adjacentto the second conductive line patterns L2 and have end portions PD4 thatface the bent portions P42 of the second conductive line patterns L2,respectively.

The fourth conductive line patterns L4 may be adjacent to the thirdconductive line patterns L3, and a minimum space between the fourthconductive line patterns L4 and the bent portions P42 of the secondconductive line patterns L2 may be equal or similar to the width W1 ofthe first conductive line pattern L1. For example, since the third maskpattern M3 is formed between the plurality of conductive line patterns510 and a width of the third mask pattern M3 is equal or similar to awidth of the plurality of conductive line patterns 510, the minimumspace between the fourth conductive line patterns L4 and the bentportions P42 of the second conductive line patterns L2 may be equal orsimilar to the width of the third mask pattern M3.

FIGS. 18A to 18F are plan views of a process of forming patterns of asemiconductor device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Detailed descriptions of the same elements and functions as described inFIGS. 4A to 14B will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a first mask pattern M1 may be formed on a firstmask layer 100 or a material layer formed on the first mask layer 100.The first mask pattern M1 may include a plurality of mask line patterns,for example, mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. The mask line widthWM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may begreater than 1F, the target width of the eventual conductive linepatterns. Distances between the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C may be greater than the mask line width WM. The mask linewidth WM and the distance between the plurality of mask line patternsM1A, M1B, and M1C may be modified according to sizes and arrangements ofconductive line patterns and contact pads to be finally formed. Forexample, the mask line width WM and the distance between the mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may have other values and/or forms than thosein the FIG. 18A.

A varied width portion PM may be formed in a portion of the first maskline pattern M1B. The varied width portion PM may protrude from onesidewall of the first mask line pattern M1B to a width of 2F and have atotal width of 5F. Thus, the varied width portion PM may have arectangular shape with a predetermined length in the first direction.Since positions, sizes, and shapes of contact pads to be finally formeddepend on a position, size, and shape of the varied width portion PM,the shape of the varied width portion PM may vary. For example, thepositions, sizes, and shapes of the varied width portions PM may haveother values and/or forms than those of FIG. 18A.

Referring to FIG. 18B, a first spacer layer may be conformally formed onan exposed surface of the first mask layer 100 and the entire surface ofthe first mask pattern M1 and anisotropically etched to form firstspacers 110S.

A width of the first spacers 110S may be equal or similar to a thicknessof the first spacer layer. The width of the first spacers 110S may beabout ⅓ a mask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C. For example, the first spacers 110S may be formed to awidth equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of conductive linepatterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 18C, after the first spacers (refer to 110S in FIG.18B) are formed, the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 18B) may beremoved. Thereafter, the first mask layer (refer to 100 in FIG. 18B) maybe anisotropically etched by using the first spacers 110S as an etchmask to form a second mask pattern M2 on the second mask layer 200.

Referring to FIG. 18D, a second spacer layer may be conformally formedon an exposed surface of the second mask layer 200 and the entiresurface of the second mask pattern M2 and anisotropically etched to formsecond spacers 210S.

A width of the second spacers 210S may be equal or similar to athickness of the second spacer layer. The width of the second spacers210S may be about ⅓ of a mask line width WM of the plurality of maskline patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the second spacers 210Smay be formed to a width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of theconductive line patterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 18E, the second mask layer (refer to 200 in FIG. 18D)may be anisotropically etched by using the second spacer (refer to 210Sin FIG. 18D) as an etch mask to form a third mask pattern M3 on a thirdmask layer 300.

Referring to FIG. 18F, an ultrafine pattern that may exceed theresolution limit may be formed by using QPT. For example, the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 18A) having a width greater than 1F may beformed by using a one-time photolithography process. By using the firstmask pattern M1 and through the second mask pattern M2, as describedabove, a third mask pattern M3 having a width of 1F may be formed. Fourmask line patterns constituting the third mask pattern M3 may be formedby and may correspond to one mask line pattern included in the firstmask pattern M1. A damascene process may be performed by using the thirdmask pattern M3 as an insulating line pattern so that a plurality ofconductive line patterns 510 having a width of 1F may be finally formed.

The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 may include a firstconductive line pattern L1, a second conductive line pattern L2, a thirdconductive line pattern L3, a fourth conductive line pattern L4, and adummy conductive line pattern LD. The plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 may have the same width.

A portion of the first conductive line pattern L1 may include aprotrusion P51, which may have a width W52 in the second direction and awidth W53 in the first direction. The width W52 of the protrusion P51may be greater than a width W1 of the first conductive line pattern L1.The protrusion P51 may be formed in the cell array region and/or thepage buffer region. The protrusion P51 may be a contact pad.

The protrusion P51 may be formed on one sidewall of the first conductiveline pattern L1, and the width W52 of the protrusion P51 may have a sizeof 3F.

The second conductive line pattern L2 may be formed adjacent to thefirst conductive line pattern L1 and include a bent portion P52 that maysurround the protrusion P51. The bent portion P52 of the secondconductive line pattern L2 may have a width W54 in the first direction,and the width W54 of the bent portion P52 may be greater than the widthW53 of the protrusion P51.

During a process of forming the protrusion P51 of the first conductiveline pattern L1 by using the varied width portion PM of the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 18A), the second conductive line pattern L2adjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 may be formed toinclude the bent portion P52.

The third conductive line pattern L3 may be formed adjacent to thesecond conductive line pattern L2 and have an end portion P53 that mayface the bent portion P52 of the second conductive line pattern L2.

Due to the bent portion P52 of the second conductive line pattern L2,the third conductive line pattern L3 may have a length less than eachlength of the first conductive line pattern L1 and the second conductiveline pattern L2 in the first direction.

For example, due to the bent portion P52 of the second conductive linepattern L2, a dummy conductive line pattern LD may be formed in anopposite direction to a direction in which the end portion P53 of thethird conductive line pattern L3 faces the bent portion P52 of thesecond conductive line pattern L2. For example, a dummy conductive linepattern LD may be formed at one side apart from a bent portion P52 of asecond conductive line pattern L2, and an end portion P53 of a thirdconductive line pattern L3 may be formed at the opposite side apart fromthe bent portion P52. The dummy conductive line pattern LD may have thefirst width and be parallel to the first direction. The third conductiveline pattern L3 and the dummy conductive line pattern LD may be locatedin a straight line. For example, the third conductive line patterns L3and the dummy conductive line patterns LD may be disposed in the sameline but in different locations disconnected from each other.

For example, the third conductive line pattern L3 and the dummyconductive line pattern LD may be formed apart from each other with thebent portion P52 of the second conductive line pattern L2 therebetween.

The dummy conductive line pattern LD may be formed adjacent to thesecond conductive line pattern L2 and have an end portion PDS that mayface the bent portion P52 of the second conductive line pattern L2.

The fourth conductive line pattern L4 may be formed adjacent to thethird conductive line pattern L3, and a minimum space between the fourthconductive line pattern L4 and the bent portion P52 of the secondconductive line pattern L2 may be equal or similar to the width W1 ofthe first conductive line pattern L1. For example, since the third maskpattern M3 is formed among the plurality of conductive line patterns 510and a width of the third mask pattern M3 is equal or similar to a widthof the plurality of conductive line patterns 510, the minimum spacebetween the fourth conductive line pattern L4 and the bent portion P52of the second conductive line pattern L2 may be equal or similar to thewidth of the third mask pattern M3.

FIGS. 19A to 19F are plan views of a process of forming patterns of asemiconductor device according to some exemplary embodiments.

Detailed descriptions of the same elements and functions as described inFIGS. 4A to 14B will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 19A, a first mask pattern M1 may be formed on a firstmask layer 100 or a material layer formed on the first mask layer 100.The first mask pattern M1 may include a plurality of mask line patterns,for example, mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. The mask line widthWM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may begreater than 1F, the target width of the eventual conductive linepatterns. Distances between the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C may be greater than the mask line width WM. The mask linewidth WM and a distance between the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C may be modified according to sizes and arrangements ofconductive line patterns and contact pads to be finally formed. Forexample, the mask line width WM and the distance between the mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C may have other values and/or forms than thosein the FIG. 19A.

A varied width portion PM may be formed in a portion of the first maskline pattern M1B. The varied width portion PM may be formed by recessingone sidewall of the first mask line pattern M1B to a width of 2F. Thus,the varied width portion PM may have a width of 1F and have arectangular shape with a predetermined length in the first direction.For example, an empty rectangular shape may be formed between and by thefirst mask line patterns M1A and M1B, which makes a 7F distance betweenthe line pattern M1A and the varied width portion PM in the seconddirection and the predetermined length in the first direction. Sincepositions, sizes, and shapes of contact pads to be finally formed dependon a position, size, and shape of the varied width portions PM, theshape of the varied width portion PM may vary. For example, thepositions, sizes, and shapes of the varied width portions PM may haveother values and/or forms than those of FIG. 19A.

Referring to FIG. 19B, a first spacer layer may be conformally formed onan exposed surface of the first mask layer 100 and the entire surface ofthe first mask pattern M1 and anisotropically etched to form firstspacers 110S.

A width of the first spacers 110S may be equal or similar to a thicknessof the first spacer layer. The width of the first spacers 110S may beabout ⅓ a mask line width WM of the plurality of mask line patterns M1A,M1B, and M1C. For example, the first spacers 110S may be formed to awidth equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of conductive linepatterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 19C, after the first spacers (refer to 110S in FIG.19B) are formed, the first mask pattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 19B) may beremoved. Thereafter, the first mask layer (refer to 100 in FIG. 19B) maybe anisotropically etched by using the first spacers (refer to 110S inFIG. 19B) as an etch mask so that a second mask pattern M2 may be formedon a second mask layer 200.

Referring to FIG. 19D, a second spacer layer may be conformally formedon an exposed surface of the second mask layer 200 and the entiresurface of the second mask pattern M2 and anisotropically etched to formsecond spacers 210S.

A width of the second spacers 210S may be equal or similar to athickness of the second spacer layer. The width of the second spacers210S may be about ⅓ the mask line width WM of the plurality of mask linepatterns M1A, M1B, and M1C. For example, the second spacers 210S may beformed to a width equal or similar to the width (i.e., 1F) of theconductive line patterns to be finally formed.

Referring to FIG. 19E, the second mask layer (refer to 200 in FIG. 19D)may be anisotropically etched by using the second spacer (refer to 210Sin FIG. 19D) as an etch mask to form a third mask pattern M3 on a thirdmask layer 300.

Referring to FIG. 19F, an ultrafine pattern that may exceed theresolution limit may be formed by using QPT. For example, the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 19A) having a width greater than 1F may beformed by using a one-time photolithography process. By using the firstmask pattern M1 and through the second mask pattern M2, as describedabove, a third mask pattern M3 having a width of 1F may be formed. Fourmask line patterns constituting the third mask pattern M3 may be formedby and may correspond to one mask line pattern included in the firstmask pattern M1. A damascene process may be performed by using the thirdmask pattern M3 as an insulating line pattern so that a plurality ofconductive line patterns 510 having a width of 1F may be finally formed.

The plurality of conductive line patterns 510 may include a firstconductive line pattern L1, a second conductive line pattern L2, a thirdconductive line pattern L3, a fourth conductive line pattern L4, and adummy conductive line pattern LD. The plurality of conductive linepatterns 510 may have the same width.

A portion of the first conductive line pattern L1 may include aprotrusion P61 may have a width W62 in the second direction and a widthW63 in the first direction. The width W62 of the protrusion P61 may begreater than the width W1 of the first conductive line pattern L1. Theprotrusion P61 may be formed in a cell array region and/or a page bufferregion. The protrusion P61 may be a contact pad.

The protrusion P61 may be formed on one sidewall of the first conductiveline pattern L1, and the width W62 of the protrusion P61 may have a sizeof 3F, three times of the width of the conductive line patterns.

The second conductive line pattern L2 may be formed adjacent to thefirst conductive line pattern L1 and include a bent portion P62 that maysurround the protrusion P61. The bent portion P62 of the secondconductive line pattern L2 may have a width W64 in the first direction,and the width W64 of the bent portion P62 may be greater than the widthW63 of the protrusion P61.

During a process of forming the protrusion P61 of the first conductiveline pattern L1 by using the varied width portion PM of the first maskpattern (refer to M1 in FIG. 19A), the second conductive line pattern L2adjacent to the first conductive line pattern L1 may be formed toinclude the bent portion P62.

The third conductive line pattern L3 may be formed adjacent to thesecond conductive line pattern L2 and have an end portion P63 that mayface the bent portion P62 of the second conductive line pattern L2.

Due to the bent portion P62 of the second conductive line pattern L2,the third conductive line pattern L3 may have a length less than eachlength of the first conductive line pattern L1 and the second conductiveline pattern L2 in the first direction.

For example, due to the bent portion P62 of the second conductive linepattern L2, a dummy conductive line pattern LD may be formed in anopposite direction to a direction in which the end portion P63 of thethird conductive line pattern L3 faces the bent portion P62 of thesecond conductive line pattern L2. For example, a dummy conductive linepattern LD may be formed at one side apart from a bent portion P62 of asecond conductive line pattern L2, and an end portion P63 of a thirdconductive line pattern L3 may be formed at the opposite side apart fromthe bent portion P62. The dummy conductive line pattern LD may have thefirst width and be parallel to the first direction. The third conductiveline pattern L3 and the dummy conductive line pattern LD may be locatedin a straight line. For example, the third conductive line patterns L3and the dummy conductive line patterns LD may be disposed in the sameline but in different locations disconnected from each other.

For example, the third conductive line pattern L3 and the dummyconductive line pattern LD may be formed apart from each other with thebent portion P62 of the second conductive line pattern L2 therebetween.

The dummy conductive line pattern LD may be formed adjacent to thesecond conductive line pattern L2 and have an end portion PD6 that mayface the bent portion P62 of the second conductive line pattern L2.

The fourth conductive line pattern L4 may be formed adjacent to thethird conductive line pattern L3, and a minimum space between the fourthconductive line pattern L4 and the bent portion P62 of the secondconductive line pattern L2 may be equal or similar to the width W1 ofthe first conductive line pattern L1. For example, since the third maskpattern M3 is formed among the plurality of conductive line patterns 510and a width of the third mask pattern M3 is equal or similar to a widthof the plurality of conductive line patterns 510, the minimum spacebetween the fourth conductive line pattern L4 and the bent portion P62of the second conductive line pattern L2 may be equal or similar to thewidth of the third mask pattern M3.

While the inventive concept has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understoodthat various changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of this disclosure, and scope of the inventionmay be interpreted by the following claims.

1. A semiconductor device comprising: a plurality of line patternsspaced apart from one another formed on a substrate, the plurality ofline patterns having a first width and extending parallel to one anotherin a first direction; a first line pattern of the plurality of linepatterns, the first line pattern including a wider portion having asecond width greater than the first width in a second directionperpendicular to the first direction; a second line pattern of theplurality of line patterns and located adjacent to the first linepattern, the second line pattern being spaced apart from the widerportion of the first line pattern and conformally formed about the widerportion of the first line pattern; and a third line pattern selectedfrom the plurality of line patterns and located adjacent to the secondline pattern, the third line pattern including an end portion, whereinthe second line pattern is formed between the first line pattern and thethird line pattern, and, with respect to a line extending in the seconddirection that intersects the third line pattern at the end portion ofthe third line pattern, the distance between the first line pattern andthe second line pattern is substantially the same as the distancebetween the second line pattern and the third line pattern.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the plurality of line patterns comprise aplurality of second line patterns and a plurality of third linepatterns, the wider portion of the first line pattern protrude from bothsidewalls of the first line pattern in the second direction, two secondline patterns are respectively located on both sides of the widerportion, and the two second line patterns are spaced apart from thewider portion of the first line pattern and conformally formed about thewider portion of the first line pattern, and two third line patterns arelocated adjacent to the respective second line patterns, and includerespective end portions, and, with respect to a line extending in thesecond direction that intersects the third line pattern at therespective end portions of the third line patterns, the distancesbetween respective first line patterns and respective second linepatterns are substantially the same as the distances between therespective second line patterns and the respective third line patterns.3. The device of claim 2, wherein the two second line patterns are in amirror-image relationship to each other with respect to the widerportion of the first line pattern.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein theend portions of the two third line patterns face the conformally formedportions of the two second line patterns in the first directionrespectively.
 5. The device of claim 2, wherein the end portions of thethird line patterns are spaced apart from the conformally formedportions of the second line patterns by a substantially same distance asthe first width.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the wider portionprotrudes from one sidewall of the first line pattern, the second linepattern is located in a position facing the wider portion, and the endportion of the third line pattern is located near the conformally formedportion of the second line pattern.
 7. The device of claim 6, whereinthe end portion of the third line pattern faces the conformally formedportion of the second line pattern in the first direction.
 8. The deviceof claim 6, wherein the end portion of the third line pattern is spacedapart from the conformally formed portion of the second line pattern bya substantially same distance as the first width in the first direction.9. The device of claim 1, wherein a length of the third line pattern isless than a length of the first line pattern and the second line patternin the first direction.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof line patterns further comprise a dummy line pattern located oppositethe end portion of the third line pattern across the conformally formedportion of the second line pattern in the first direction, wherein thedummy line pattern has a substantially same width as the first width andis parallel to the first direction.
 11. The device of claim 10, whereina length of the dummy line pattern is less than a length of the firstline pattern and the second line pattern in the first direction.
 12. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the wider portion of the first line patternhas a third width in the first direction, the conformally formed portionof the second line pattern has a fourth width in the first direction,and the fourth width is greater than the third width.
 13. The device ofclaim 1, wherein a fourth line pattern is located adjacent to the thirdline pattern, and a minimum space between the fourth line pattern andthe conformally formed portion of the second line pattern issubstantially equal to the first width.
 14. The device of claim 1,wherein a fourth line pattern is located adjacent to the third linepattern, and a minimum space between the fourth line pattern and theconformally formed portion of the second line pattern is greater thanthe first width. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. The device of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of line patterns comprise a plurality of bit linesincluded in a memory device of the semiconductor device. 19-20.(canceled)
 21. A semiconductor device comprising: a plurality of linepatterns formed on a substrate having a first width and extending in afirst direction parallel to one another, the plurality of line patternsspaced apart from one another in a second direction perpendicular to thefirst direction; a first line pattern of the plurality of line patterns,the first line pattern including a first wider portion having a secondwidth taken in the second direction greater than the first width takenin the second direction; a second line pattern of the plurality of linepatterns located adjacent to the first line pattern, the second linepattern comprising a second wider portion having a third width greaterthan the first width in the second direction and a first conformalportion conformally formed about the first wider portion and spacedapart from the first wider portion; and a third line pattern of theplurality of line patterns and located adjacent to the second linepattern, the third line pattern comprising a third wider portion havinga fourth width in the second direction greater than the first width, asecond conformal portion conformally formed about the second widerportion and spaced apart from the second wider portion, and an endportion located near the first conformal portion, wherein the secondline pattern is formed between the first line pattern and the third linepattern, and, with respect to a line extending in the second directionthat intersects the third line pattern at the end portion of the thirdline pattern, the distance between the first line pattern and the secondline pattern is substantially the same as the distance between thesecond line pattern and the third line pattern.
 22. The device of claim21, wherein the first wider portion protrudes from one sidewall of thefirst line pattern, the second wider portion protrudes from one sidewallof the second line pattern, and the third wider portion protrudes fromone sidewall of the third line pattern.
 23. The device of claim 21,wherein the third line pattern has a length less than each of the firstline pattern and the second line pattern in the first direction.
 24. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein the end portion of the third line patternfaces the first conformal portion of the second line pattern.
 25. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein a distance between the second wider portionof the second line pattern and the first conformal portion in the firstdirection is substantially equal to a distance between the third widerportion of the third line pattern and the second conformal portion inthe first direction. 26-40. (canceled)